Dot has just discovered that Paul’s get-together this evening is two hours earlier than she thought; so she has hurtled into the shower. She spent some time in the city earlier, doing last-minute shopping while I went up to the Rosary to put flowers on graves, and in the process wrote a new poem – the first I’ve done for some time. Now Bridget is here doing the cleaning. Covid news decidedly better today – Ferguson accused of bad science.

Going back a bit, last Friday was grey and damp, but not too cold. Spent most of the day indoors. I finished the rota and the preparations for the carol service. Dot wrapped presents and went to Morrisons. There was no Friday drink in street, because people were being very careful and cancelling attendance at the Monday get-together with neighbours. Dot and I posted cards, then went to Jude’s for drinks and nibbles. Really enjoyed it. Her neighbours Chris and Becky were there: very pleasant. They left at 9 but we didn’t go till about 10.30. 

Saturday was damp and grey. Stayed in, except for posting cards in the afternoon. Dot worked very hard, and I gave her a hand with decorations and so on, though there times when I felt tired out and not really with it. Choked when I fell asleep watching TV – quite frightening. Rehearsed the script for the carol service. Paul came round in late morning and brought presents. Amy’s flight was still on, and everyone was on the edge of their seats. All football matches except one were postponed because of Covid, which is spiking again. Boring.

Sunday – and Amy is in Canada! She arrived at David’s house after an exhausting but quite trouble-free journey, apparently. We had been tracking her flight just about all day. Admire her greatly for going through all the annoying paperwork and tests. She has come of age!

In the morning we had the much-anticipated alternative carol service, which went very well. It included a song from Graham which was excellent, and some pretty good performances. Kim came sans mask and was not kicked out. I gave everyone a copy of my latest poetry book. Just nibbles afterwards, instead of the usual meal, because of the Covid risk. Finished article for EDP on the CNS Christmas lunch, but was not sure they’d use it. It was very late and the picture was not very good. (In the end they did use it as an Opinion piece, which is mystifying.) Watched the first episode of a new thriller, The Girl Before, which was pretty good. We’re now on the eighth series of Friends (out of ten).

Another grey, damp day, as was Monday. Went for a big shop at Morrisons early on – and came through it surprisingly easily. Got petrol. Back in time to receive cake from Marion. then had haircut and bath. We’d invited several neighbours round for the evening, but in the  end only John, Tara and John’s two younger children came. Had a really nice evening with them. FTd David and Amy, and forgot to put the bins out till I was in pyjamas. Got to 4000 steps with ten seconds to spare. Did O Antiphon – a kind of meditation – while writing this. Did lateral flow test. Negative. 

Tuesday was cold but still. High cloud. Early exit to Dereham, where we dropped off presents at  Phil and Joy’s, then proceeded to Angela and Rodney’s for tea/coffee and biscuits. Very nice. Drove home via Lenwade because the A47 was very busy, then after lunch I drove Dot up to St Augustine’s, where she picked up Carrie and a box of goodies for Sophie and Alex. I walked home while they drove to Spixworth, then wrapped Dot’s presents and made the bed as well as clearing up.

Felt shattered: eventually took paracetamol and acidophilus, but also noticed ears were pretty blocked (left one quite painful when I pushed at it). When I cleared them a little I felt better. Prepared Compline for the evening. Present: Eleanor, Kim, Vicky and Amy, Claire, David and Bridget. Watched The Chosen (children episode), then ate food Dot had prepared (and others had brought), and did the Compline. Really nice evening: halfway through Judy and Carrie showed up for exchange of presents. Earlier Dot did lateral flow test: negative.

Wednesday was very cold: ice on windscreen. But fairly bright and dry. Busy day. Drove to North Walsham for tea/coffee with Roger and Debbie, who have transformed their bungalow. Then to Sainsbury’s and the cemetery, where I got wet feet (wrong shoes, long grass), and thence to Paston, where we left Jonathan’s parcel. On to Rob and Penny’s to drop off present and card, then to Lucy’s to drop off her present and Naomi’s and have a brief chat: she has a chest infection, though apparently it’s not infectious..

Back home for soup and a short break, plus a brief FT with Amy and David, then to church for carols and nibbles. Started with handbell-ringing, but I was too late – having trouble parking the car. Walked around for a while, then went back for chat with Ellie and others. Ellie looked well. Then played carols with Dot and Anna on violin and Martin on piano for everyone to sing. Helped to clear up: did washing up. Back home watched second episode of The Girl Before. 

Lovely weather today – blue sky and very mild. Posted cards while Dot took parcels to post office; then we walked up through the Close to the Hostry exhibition and bought a couple of items of jewellery for Dot for Christmas from Hazel Davidson’s collection. Quite a palaver paying for them, but I chatted with a chair maker – beautiful stuff – who had recently lost his wife. Then walked up to meet Dot at Jarrolds after buying some acidophilus and a Norwich magazine we’d seen advertised.

Later had a long chat with David, mainly about whether Amy should travel to Canada in view of the worsening Covid situation, with the Government showing signs of panicking. Then later Carrie called and had a long talk – mainly with Dot – about her Covid problems. Bridget came and did the cleaning, and we had a chat with her about what was likely to be happening at Christmas – all rather disheartening. Meanwhile Phil K is in hospital having a second bladder cancer operation.

Meanwhile I finished off the alternative carol service and printed congregational sheets. Earlier I read a brilliant piece about the Transfiguration which cheered me up considerably: the idea of being filled with light.

Watched the final parts of courtroom thriller You Don’t Know Me, which were very clever but a bit of a cop out.

Last Saturday turned out to be a very mixed bag. Fred, Kate and two boys arrived at about 3pm and had snacks as arranged. I then walked them down in the rain to Carrow Road, and Kate to the Odeon, where she was meeting a friend.  I arranged for Fred to use a key I lent him to open the door afterwards, drop off the ticket and take his present and cards. Norwich lost 0-1 despite playing well, and I walked up to Dot’s concert in the rain, which was now much heavier. Meanwhile the match finished and Fred & Co returned to the house, but didn’t go in, thus missing the cards and present. More importantly, Fred didn’t put the ticket through the door, which left Dot distinctly unimpressed. He now had to get it back to her for Tuesday’s evening game.

Meanwhile the concert was excellent. Angela, Rodney, Chris, David and Bridget were there, and I sat a table with the first three. Afterwards walked home with Dot and Chris, and watched Match of the Day.

Sunday was dry and much milder. I was unable to park anywhere near the church and eventually drove up to St Luke’s and parked there, which is obviously not ideal. Preached a sermon that I think was OK, though it appeared to upset Carrie, but I think this was in addition to some comments some other people had made to her. Most people were wearing masks (now mandatory), but Kim and Dee weren’t, and I don’t think they’ll come while we’re wearing them. I wore it on and off, as did Dot.

Quite a nice communion service despite that, with Graham presiding. Decided not to have a Christmas meal, just nibbles and tea/coffee next week. Think we’ll probably go ahead with the Alternative Carol Service.

After lunch watched the Abu Dhabi grand prix, which was as close to a fix as you could make it. Hamilton was set to win easily; so they had a safety car and then moved all the intervening cars out of the way. How they can get any satisfaction out of that I don’t know. No respect for Verstappen. I won’t be watching F1 next season. Pity: if this had been a fair race I would probably have been cheering him on in 2022. Anyway, got some nice comments about my sermon from Matt and Kim. Had an evening meal at Gem with Elwira and David – went very well. I had three good mezzes. 

Monday was dry and fairly mild. Dot went shopping in the afternoon, and I did quite a bit of work on the computer, especially Christmas-related. In the evening walked up to Prime on Tombland – part of the Edith Cavell pub – and had a really good meal with Howard and Anna. My duck was superb, and so was the rest of it. Drank two thirds of a bottle of Sauvignon blanc. Talked a lot about church and other stuff: Howard was excellent.

Tuesday was quite warm and dry, though overcast. Had quite a bad night but recovered. Did a lot of card-writing and present-sending , both online and in real life. The ticket arrived from Fred, to great relief all round. Dot posted some cards and bought some stamps. Went to football with Dot in evening, using Jonathan’s ticket. Awful match. City lost 2-0 and played very badly. McLean missed an open goal.

Yesterday was relatively mild and dry, with sun in the morning. I walked up into the city, had a look at the Hostry exhibition, then bought cards at Revelations. Spoke to Michael and Margaret on the way home. Spent most of the day after that writing Christmas cards. Drove Dot to orchestra get-together at church hall in Old Catton (took her own meal) and she spent some time talking to Vicky. Janet drove her home. Omicron figures very high and Whitty panicking. Again.

Quite an exciting day in prospect. Dot is busy practising for her concert this evening (for which she given up her football match) and is spending just about as much time on it as she did choosing her skirt. I exaggerate, of course. It’s a dry day at the moment, with some sun, but still pretty cold. I am catching up with a number of things on my computer, including writing this. Fred and members of his family are on their way from Banbury: he will be taking advantage of Dot’s ticket to watch Manchester United beat Norwich.

Meanwhile a “new study” states that there will be a huge increase in Covid cases in January. We need to stamp out new studies.

Monday was pretty miserable, sending with a DCC meeting at Graham’s house, at which I expressed my views about Covid restrictions. Ended up with a “compromise” about closing the door but opening windows, plus a headache, which is very unusual for me. Possibly a result of frustration. And of course it will all be worse now.

Horrible weather again on Tuesday. We had intended to walk to the Town House (Stonehouse) for the Archant Christmas lunch, but it was about to start raining, and it was very cold. So we drove instead and got a spot in the car park because we were early. Had a carvery (excellent turkey and beef) and some profiteroles containing ice cream, which were not so good. Nice group of about 15, including Brian and Tricia, Robin and Shelagh, Su Lee, Eric and Linda, and Bill. Pouring rain as we drove home, and it kept on during the rest of the day. Windy too. Wrote most of my sermon for Sunday. The window cleaner arrived just before the rain. David FaceTimed, and we had quite a long conversation. 

Not much improvement in the weather on Wednesday, though I didn’t go out. It was mainly dry, admittedly. II wasn’t feeling too well, actually, and not sure why. Seemed to be the stomach area, and I was worried during the night that I might have gall bladder problems again. But I think it was just an upset stomach – possibly those profiteroles. Dot went to a DSSO meeting followed by another Christmas lunch, and I sorted some stuff out and updated my Alternative Carol Service, which is now about finished. Will it be held, though?

Also wrote a short piece to go in some Christmas cards or Christmas e-mails. Dot came home about 3.30pm and we watched a couple of episodes of Friends. Janet came round shortly before 7pm, and she and Dot walked up to St Stephen’s Church for their orchestra rehearsal. Meanwhile I more or less finished my sermon, wrote some Christmas cards, did some Paston editing and then wrote a piece for my website, as well as transferring a recent poem there.

Oh, I also walked up and down the kitchen until I had amassed 4000 steps. They are now on their way home (10pm) and I’m feeling quite tired. Bet they are too.

Thursday was cold. We drove over to Philip and Anne’s for a visit. Philip didn’t seem too bad. Then on to Hempnall, where we picked up a considerable amount of sugar that Roger had collected from schools for charity. Sue has had a bad fall outside the dentists’s (ironically) and broke some teeth as well as injuring her wrist. She was surprisingly cheerful. Had another drink there. At 4pm I took the car up to the garage to have mirror glass fitted (£83); meanwhile Bridget had arrived to do the cleaning. In the evening we went to Gem with Mark, Des, Chris, John and Tara – our neighbours – for a meal. On the way we ran into Eleanor, who seemed quite perky, considering. Very pleasant time at Gem. Rained a bit on the way home. Idiots at Westminster have instigated Plan B, with more mask-wearing, etc etc Amy told us she hadn’t been too well for some time and was awaiting the result of tests

Fri day was very cold but dry. Quite a strenuous day, actually. Started by driving to Worstead School to pick up some bags of sugar (less two they forgot to give us, it turned out later). Then on to Swafield, where we unpacked all our sugar and put it in the bin at the farm, to the great relief of our suspension system. Then to Sainsbury’s in North Walsham, where we did some food shopping and Dot bought a top for her concert tomorrow. Then home.

In the afternoon I swept up quite a lot of leaves, then ran hot water over my hands to thaw them out. Amy FaceTimed us for quite a long time about her medical results, which were good: she just needs more Vitamin D. She also spoke a lot about pupil-teacher relationships. We sorted out our present list and watched the second episode of a very good thriller, You Don’t Know Me. Read the diocesan guidance on the new Covid restrictions, which was depressing. Changed my sermon a bit as a result.

The weather continues to be unpleasant, as does the atmosphere, news broadcasts and the performance of Norwich City strikers. I wonder if it’s possible to hibernate for a few years. It’s now the start of a new week, wet, cold and dark, and Dot is shopping while I make a vain attempt to catch up with many things I have to do.

Going back to last Wednesday, it all ended up pretty wet, miserable and cold. Dot went to orchestra practice and I played through the best games on the Norfolk chess championship, after clearing up. 

Thursday was cold and showery, and we got an early phone call from the Diocese asking Dot to go to an Ofsted feedback at Worstead school. Awkward, as we were about to travel to Swaffham for lunch with the Higbees, but it transpired that the feedback would be at 5pm: so we felt we could do both. Drove through heavy rain with a touch of snow to Swaffham but arrived 5 minutes early.  We had a lovely meal – chicken etc – and left about 3.15. Heavy traffic in Swaffham, because it was school-out time, but ok the rest pf the way.

We picked up stuff from home and continued to Worstead. Did a bit of walking while Dot was in school, but it was damp and very cold; so got back in the car. The school did well. we got home just after 6pm, had a quick cup of tea and a couple of episodes of Friends, and Dot was off to PCC, while I made the bed and put on the dishwasher. Cakes and coffee served by Graham; so Dot was quite late back. 

Friday was grey and damp, but warmer and not actually raining most of the time. We walked up to the Maids Head for the CNS reunion Christmas dinner (second Christmas dinner in two days). Chatted to Ray Houseago and signed a poetry book for him. Sat on a table with Alan Harrison, one of the speakers, plus Cindy and Michael Huggins, and Ros and Les Pye. Meal was good, but a bit too much of it. Turkey and Christmas pudding for me. Two even older boys than me were interviewed by Adrian about their life stories: Alan Harrison and Joe Parfitt. Walked home – very tired afterwards. Des, Chris and Mark came over for drinks in the kitchen for a couple of hours. 

Saturday was cold again, though there was some sun at first. Drove up to the chemist to pick up Dot’s pills. The chemist has gone downhill since it was taken over. Very slow. Then on to Morrisons for shopping. Extremely busy, especially at the tills. After lunch watched a bit of Buxton v Morecambe F A Cup (0-1) then we walked up to city to meet Kim for drinks. Failed to get in Cosy Club or Jarrolds but ended up at Bill’s, where Kim is well known and we got a free bottle of wine for no good reason, plus tea, coffee and some bits of bread and olives (and a cocktail for Dot). Had a good conversation about this and that. Walked home through the Close and had a Hello Fresh supper which, unusually, was only average. Felt very tired. Watched some of MOTD.

Yesterday was cold again, with rain later. Nice service at church. Norwich lost 3-0 to Spurs. Watched Songs of Praise Chorister of the year and got it right again. Hamilton deservedly won the Grand Prix despite dubious tricks by Verstappen. Sorted out some Christmas plans and bought some presents for Amy. Feelings running a bit high by e-mail about leaving the church door open for ventilation, with a bit of climate change and other stuff thrown in. I stayed clear of it, but there’s a DCC meeting tonight which could go badly wrong, despite the promised mince pies.

At the end of Friday, David FaceTimed us to say he now had a bank account and a credit card, helpfully called Infinity. Good news, but followed in the next few days by bad. There is a new variant of Covid called Omicron, which almost no-one can pronounce. This means of course that we must cave in and start introducing new restrictions, because eventually someone might die of it. Or be tested positive for it and die of something completely different, which is of course the same thing.

As if in sympathy, the weekend came up with some really bad weather, especially in the north, where there was loads of snow. In Yorkshire people were trapped in a pub for three days, which must have been awful, especially as they had a band with them. Saturday in Norfolk was very unpleasant – cold, windy and loads of rain from early afternoon. We went for tea and mince pie with Paul Henderson in the morning, and I accompanied Dot to the football in the afternoon, dodging most of the rain. Norwich drew 0-0 with Wolves and should have won. They played well, especially Brandon Williams. Pukki missed two or three fairly easy chances.

Sunday was another unpleasant day with lots of rain, and snow in other parts of the country. We had a small amount early on, but nothing lying. Preached and did prayers at church, where Carrie insisted on having the door open. Very cold. I delayed sermon so that people could put their coats on. Several people liked what I said. Later we finished off watching Showtrial, which was very well done. Unusually, had an evening Advent meditation service at 6pm led by Graham. Played guitar: Phil came but was unable to play, possibly because of Parkinson’s, possibly lack of practice during his illness. Anna and Dot played violin. It was a joint service, but only 14 came, unsurprisingly. I read one of my poems (Compline, temporarily renamed Advent). Heather Cracknell was there: she is now coming regularly. Also the Eastons. Pouring with rain afterwards.  Later in the evening I slipped on the bottom stair and landed on my heel. Got a very strange hot sensation in my head and couldn’t balance for a few moments. Haven’t experienced anything like it before. 

Monday was sunny, but very cold to start with. The heating failed again, though I had turned down the thermostat rather than turning the heating off. Took the car up to be serviced and did a reasonably long walk while it was being done. All good, except that we need a new offside mirror. Did a lot of work on the computer in the afternoon, especially on Paston material and editing pictures. Had a late evening bath after watching the final episode of The Outlaws, a brilliant series. 

Yesterday was dull, but much warmer. Showers. Busy morning: Linda came round to do our hair, then Rob and Peter called in for a PHS meeting. This was just ending when the gas man arrived to fix our boiler. It now seems to work properly. In the afternoon I did a Covid test (ridiculously complicated) and an associated survey. Also wrote to Mike Read, thanking him for sending me one of his chess annotations. Then I wrote up the PHS minutes, after walking up to the post office. Edited pictures and paid a £4000 Barclaycard bill (£3000 of it for boiler). Later watched Newcastle v Norwich on Amazon Prime. Newcastle had a man sent off after nine minutes, but we were losing 1-0 till Pukki scored in the 79th minute. We didn’t create very much. Watched several episodes of Friends to lighten the mood. Still, Norwich are now in double figures and third from bottom. Will it last?

Today is pretty miserable: grey and wet. I took Dot up for her violin lesson with Anna just before 10am, and arrived back as Naked Wines delivered our box that should have come yesterday. Between showers I walked up to meet Dot around 11.30am, after the Hello Fresh box had arrived. Had a bath, and later Bridget arrived to do the cleaning. She is still here as I write, at 2pm, and it’s raining.

Monday was Dot’s birthday. Quite cold, but not unpleasant, with a bit of sun. Went to Blakeney to stay two nights at the Blakeney Hotel. Outrageously expensive: £380 a night. The Evetts were delayed by a car problem and didn’t arrive till 5.30, more than an hour after us, in a hired Qashquai. We were late because we were waiting for a delivery from Amazon (David’s present). In the end Mary collected it for us about half an hour after we left. In defence of the hotel, it had a terrific room with balcony and view of the estuary. Nice meal too. I risked some cheese, following pigeon and trout. Dave looked tired, unsurprisingly. I felt tired, but didn’t sleep well. Woke up a couple of times feeling hot. 

Tuesday morning was amazing, with stunning views from our balcony. Took several pix and a video before breakfast, at which Dot lost her mask (never found it). I had scrambled eggs and mushrooms. We decided to walk to Morston: good decision because it was a beautiful day. Went to the Anchor Inn for a glass of wine (in my case) and some crisps. The Evetts shared a BLT sandwich and chips. Walked back to Blakeney and just caught the Two Magpies before they closed (at 3pm!). Had tea and doughnut. We were last out, and they gave us some cakes, scones and cheese sticks – about £25 worth between us. Amazing.

Evening meal was excellent as before: I had lamb, liver pate and fruit salad. All really good. Dave, Dot and I popped out to see if high tide had covered the car park, but it hadn’t. Ended evening with tea and coffee in lounge. Discovered Phil K had bad news about his bladder cancer. Further tests necessary.

Wednesday was a big contrast: low cloud deteriorating into a slight drizzle by the time we left Blakeney at 3.15pm. Started the day after breakfast by booking out, then walking to Wiveton fruit farm, where we had tea in the cafe. Bit early for me! Then continued into Cley, where our usual cafe was shut on Tuesdays. Of course. So we went up to the George & Dragon pub, which has been transformed into a very pleasant pub / restaurant. Had smoked haddock chowder with sourdough, which was delicious. Dot had exotic rarebit. All had mulled wine.

We had intended to go back by bus, but instead walked back the way we’d come and said goodbye on the hotel car park. As we emerged on to the main road, the bus we would have caught appeared. The Evetts moved on to the Manor for the rest of the week – sadly the weather deteriorating as they went.

We arrived home to find the house freezing cold: the heating clearly hadn’t come on the morning before. Spent some time trying to warm house up – eg Dot lit fire. Had a fried egg each, and Dot went to orchestra while I cleared up. Gradually the house did warm up. I created a new password for Facebook, which had been hacked, then printed out some stuff for Sunday. Later had a bath. Dot home late after going for a drink, and David FTd her about her presents, which Mary had brought round earlier. New light for her music stand and a couple of interesting-looking books. 

Yesterday was cold, with a mixture of sun and showers. Busy day. Wrote four Parish Pump articles on Shackleton, Vaughan Williams, Bowie and Desert Island Discs. Picked up pills from chemist, which was chaotic under its new management. A couple of irate customers. Bridget came to do the cleaning. and I sorted out the Advent songs, requiring a bit of research, and tried them out with Dot. Watched the final episode of Shetland and penultimate one of The Outlaws, both of which are first-rate. Also a Grand Designs programme, which was quite interesting. 

Today (Friday) was just as frantic, largely because Dot had an online Jessica retreat with a Leonard Cohen element. Between sessions she went to Brooke to collect some charity sugar from the school, and later went to Morrisons with me. As I write this (coming up to 5pm) she is on the last leg of her retreat. Meanwhile, I’ve managed to write my sermon for Sunday, made the bed, put water in the piano and dealt with the dishwasher. Tonight I’m trying leaving the heating on, to see what happens. The gas man is coming on Tuesday: I had a conversation on the phone that wasn’t very helpful, as the display on the boiler didn’t do what he wanted it to do. I’m now wondering whether we will be crazy enough to go outside for drinks at 5.30pm. (We didn’t.)The forecast for the weekend is pretty terrible, though mainly further north.

Strange situation: I am at home while Dot has gone to church (Christ Church, New Catton) for a joint service for the new benefice, of which we are part. Many people ill or not going for other reasons. Dot is helping to lead a small part of the music. I am cooking supper for when she gets back. It’s pretty cold tonight, but the rain from earlier in the day seems to have departed. Earlier spent quite a long time talking to David on FT: he has bought a ticket for Amy to go to Canada over Christmas, which she is pretty thrilled about. She has had a jab and tested negative.

We went to church this morning and I led the service, with Liz Cannon doing Godly Play, which worked very well: the parable of the mustard seed. Surprise member of the congregation: Heather Cracknell, now director of Fresh Expressions for the Church of England (or something like that). She started with us before becoming ordained many years ago and may now be coming back to us on a fairly regular basis. Her daughter Rhianna is at university in The Hague. Later Kim Bywater dropped a present off (it is Dot’s birthday tomorrow, and Anna made her a rather wonderful cake, presented at church). We persuaded Kim to stay for a cup of tea.

Last Tuesday was dry and still: a bit overcast. Went for a walk after lunch and called in at Revelations to get cards. On the way back watched a Norwich School team playing rugby. Dot went to a Jarrolds special event in the evening with Anne, and met Kim (before Anne arrived). Dot and Anne had a meal. Philip is not so good. While Dot was out, joined Jurnet poetry event and read a couple of poems: Riverside Path and Finding my Grandparents’ Grave. David FTd during break to say Amy was very keen to go to Canada at Christmas. How quickly her dreams come true! Dot back at 9.30, just as the poetry event was finishing. We watched The Outlaws, which is getting a bit serious.

Wednesday saw some sun, and it was dry, but a bit chilly.   Went to Morrisons with Dot in the morning. My iPhone went dead. After advice from David, I made an appointment at Apple. Dot went to orchestra in the evening, and I accepted an offer to be part of a Covid study. We watched Shetland when Dot came home.

Thursday was cool but quite pleasant, with some sun. Most of the day was taken up with the visit of Angela and Rodney for lunch (12-5.30), but before that I went up to the Apple store to see about my phone. Problem solved fairly easily, but I don’t know why it happened. Had a bath when I got back because I was quite sweaty, then helped Dot prepare lunch. Bridget came at 3.50 to do cleaning – for the second week running, mainly washing up. Zoom Meeting with Judy and Graham, who had a bad cold or Covid – discussed Advent service. Watched Dalgleish after supper. 

Friday’s weather was quite pleasant, though chilly. Went for walk in Rosary after lunch while Dot planted some things in the garden. Went out for drinks at 5.30 with Des, Chris and Mark. Wrote an by Advent poem. Watched second episode of Dalgleish and two episodes of Showtrial. Both pretty good.  

Saturday’s weather was much the same. Caren and Phil Gazley came to lunch in the sense that they brought it with them, and Caren cooked it. Quite nice, especially the first course. Dot went to football, and they left shortly afterwards. Norwich beat Southampton 2-1 under our new manager, Dean Smith. Looked at hymns after tea, then watched quite a bit of TV, including Naked Gun 2 1/2, which was very funny in an extremely unsubtle way. Very late in bed after watching MOTD. Norwich were the penultimate game. David FTd to say he and Chrissy were going to see the Murrays for a meal.

On Thursday Dot spent all morning preparing for the visit of Sue and Roger, who arrived about noon. Weather wasn’t cold, but not very exciting either.  Dot did quite a complicated but very nice meal – fish curry, among other things – and we had excellent conversation. After we told them about Maryta, we found they had been told the same things by someone completely different – we think the GP that the Hendersons know. Small world!

Bridget came to clean before the Eagles went and did the washing up! Great planning, or it would have been if we’d planned it. The TV went wrong in the evening: we could watch things like Netflix but not regular terrestrial TV, except on the direct channel which ignores the BT box. Means we couldn’t arrange recording of anything, but it seemed the box was recording, because the red light came on. We managed to catch Dalgleish live.

Next day I fixed the TV box after going online and doing a factory reset. All seems to be well. Mixed weather – quite a bit of rain, but I managed to get in a walk to the Rosary while Dot was visiting a school at Long Stratton in the afternoon. I’ve also got the outline of the Alternative Carol Service prepared. Had our 5.30 drinks with Mark, Des and Chris. Lot of political talk but no blows struck. After HF meal watched England beat Albania 5-0 and then the second episode of Dalgleish. Excellent. 

Saturday was very grey at first with drizzle, becoming lighter and drier as we drove to Aylesbury. Stopped at Caxton GIbbet (tight parking) for tea/coffee, and swapped drivers. I drove the rest of the way. Arrived slightly early and had lunch with Amy and Oliver, who has finished his quarantine and is returning to Warwick tomorrow. (He didn’t get Covid). Vicky and Matt arrived afterwards, and we had a chat. Left about 4.20pm and drove pretty much in the dark to our hotel in Baginton, arriving around 5.45. Checked in and had pre-booked meal at 6.30pm. Very slow service but friendly. Food quite good. Watched film – Fallen Angel – an action thriller that was pretty good of its kind. 

Sunday was Remembrance Sunday. Had a rather too large breakfast, including scrambled eggs. After breakfast (extra £15.98) we drove to Minster Lodge after avoiding traffic/parking jam outside Memorial Park, where there was clearly going to be a memorial service, as I should have realised. Andrew seemed pretty good: we showed him how to use his DVD player, but I doubt the information stuck. We had to take a lateral flow test, but it wasn’t very rigorous. Drove home, stopping at Cambridge Services Costa for snack. Arrived home about 3.30, feeling very tired.  Watched last episode of Angela Black – not bad, but could have been better.  David FTd: he has had confirmation of his residency and is now planning to get other things, like library card, driving licence etc. Another greyish day.

Yesterday saw more pretty nondescript weather. Dot went to a couple of schools in the morning – Tasburgh and Saxlingham – and got back late for lunch. I cleared up quite a lot of leaves, but there are still a lot on the ground. I rearranged the Christmas Cake and Compline because Claire, rather predictably, couldn’t make the arranged date. In the evening we watched England beat San Marino 10-0 and earlier watched Lewis Hamilton drive superbly to win the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Rather a grey and dismal Wednesday today, with what you might call wet air occasionally morphing into drizzle and then back into relative dryness. Heavy grey skies. We did some shopping at Morrisons this morning – partly general and partly for our lunch tomorrow, when we have visitors. Dot also did some preparation, going back to Morrisons when she realised she had forgotten a vital ingredient. Something strange happened with our Hello Fresh delivery, which ended up down the road outside someone else’s door. I tracked it down and brought it home. Dot is now at orchestra.

Last Saturday was a bit strange. I felt odd (and have continued to do so on and off) – possibly a reaction to my booster jab; like a very minor flu-type virus. Anyway… Watched the second episode of Dalgleish, which was very good. Listened to Brentford v Norwich, and City got their first win (2-1) for about a million years – this was followed fairly quickly by Farke being fired. Odd, Holmes. David FTd as I was cooking supper: he seemed good, and his app is going well. After supper Dot and I went to St Andrew’s Hall for a concert by the Philharmonic, with Paul singing bass. Quite unusual – Rossini’s Petite Messe Solonelle, with two pianos and a harmonium, but no orchestra. Female soloists and choir excellent. Quite enjoyed it. Happily the earlier rain had stopped, but there was a chilly wind.

Sunday was still cool, but dry and some sun. Went to church in the morning: Dot led prayers. Walked to Kim’s for 6.30 for her 60th birthday party. Also present: her daughter Kirvana (26, postgrad at Warwick, studying gut bacteria); Jenny (a neighbour who seems to be a bit of an activist for the local community); Julia, a former neighbour now living in Cringleford and an artist (she’s also 60 and like Kim, looks much younger); Alaric, an American High Anglican in charge of St George Tombland and St George Colegate; and his partner Mauricio, an Italian researching esoteric music from the 1960s and 1970s; myself and Dot (who looks much younger too). Really good evening in terms of both food and conversation. Walked home, arriving a minute or two before midnight.

Could have done with a restful day on Monday, but it didn’t work out like that. At least the weather was good – dry, some sun and not too cold. Linda came round to do our hair, arriving at the same time as Debbie, who was parking her car in our drive and going by train to Yarmouth to see Ellie, who is quite ill. Afterwards I drove up to the MOT station in Heigham Street for a test, and walked upriver while the MOT was done. Unfortunately it failed because of two broken suspension springs, which meant I had to drive up to Wrights (avoiding the closed road I would normally have taken) and get them to do the repair (over £300) and get the car MOTd again.

This meant more walking – I managed to get a bus the other side of the ring road, which took me to Upper King Street – and then getting to Heigham Street later to pick the car up. This proved a bit of a nightmare, starting with a stroke of luck – the No 26 bus was late, and I suddenly realised that the No 23 would be much better, and there it was! As I was sitting in it at Castle Meadow while thousands of children got on I received a phone call from the MOT man saying he closed at 4pm and did I want him to keep the car overnight? I almost said yes, but then realised Dot would need the car next morning; so the guy offered to wait for me till 4.30pm. More kids piled on, and I was doubtful, but went for it.

In the end I got off just past Old Palace Road and walked very quickly through, arriving at just before 4.15pm. I don’t know who was more surprised – him or me. Needless to say, I was pretty shagged out for the rest of the day, but got some great news mid-evening, when David FTd to say he’d been granted residency. A weight off his shoulders.

Much the same weather on Tuesday – not too cold and some sun. Dot went to Catfield in the morning, and I had a bath, then caught up with e-mails. After lunch Dot walked to Anna’s for a violin lesson. I cleared up and had a long chat with David about when he first went to Canada (among other things), then sent a copy of The Lost Princess to Paul Dickson (a publisher I know).  He responded saying he was busy but would look at it as soon as he could. Walked to the Greens to meet Dot. Felt very tired when we got back. In the evening had Compline at Judy’s. We took Eleanor and Bridget. Claire didn’t make it. Watched The Outlaws when we got back. 

Feeling a bit under the weather this morning – have been for a couple of days: I suspect side-effects of my booster jab, which took pace a fortnight ago. Have a mild headache and various aches elsewhere. Still, life goes on. We hear that Oliver is OK, which is a relief after his contact with Olivia and her family, who have tested positive for Covid (though not seriously ill). Meanwhile I have been having a look at my family tree, being stimulated by tracking down my mother’s parents’ grave. I suspect I may be descended from a guy called Roger de Herlostone, who was an archer in the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). He would then have become known as Archer. He lived in Harlestone, Northamptonshire, where my great-great-grandparents William Archer and Elizabeth Benson were buried in the mid-19th century. Nice grave, near the church door.

I have also downloaded a couple of wills from one George Lenton and his wife, who lived in Folksworth, near Peterborough, and who could be my great-great-grandparents. My great-grandfather Henry is definitely buried there. I’ve seen his grave.

Last Monday, the first day of November, was cool; sunny at first, but by the time we went for a walk along the river and up round the Cathedral and over the Jarrold Bridge, it was pretty grey. Still, nice walk. I booked a hotel at Coventry for a fortnight’s time and managed to cancel my house insurance, which was far too expensive. Have switched to Axa, which is much more reasonable. In the evening watched Stalag 17, an old film which was really pretty good; also the second episode of The Outlaws, which I think is exceptional – a comedy about a group of very flawed people who discover love for each other in a very Christian kind of way, though of course that’s not intended. We’re also watching a lot of old Friends episodes, which are pretty good in the main.

Tuesday was dry and fairly sunny. Wen to Oaklands for the monthly Archant Coffee Morning. Talked to Bill, David Wakefield and the usual suspects, and afterwards did shopping at Morrisons. We went for a walk in the Rosary in the afternoon – felt unexpectedly tired and lay on the bed for a while. Later watched The Tin Star – a 1957 film that I thought was excellent. Also part of a documentary on Frank Zappa, but decided he wasn’t very interesting. 

Wednesday brought a lot more rain than was forecast, and it was quite cold too. The new boiler failed in the morning (as it did yesterday), but was OK after I turned it off and on again. Went to see Thelma in the afternoon, and she seemed pretty perky. Had to take a lateral flow test before I went, and show them a photo of the result, which probably says a lot about how seriously they take it. I was able to go inside – just – and Thelma was wheeled out. Gave her some biscuits and some  photographs I’d taken of her parents’ grave, and a few much older ones. When I came out – at about 4.25pm – it was pouring with rain and dark; so the drive home was a bit of a challenge, though it went very smoothly. After supper (pizza), Dot went to orchestra, and to the pub afterwards. She did not have Coke.  

Occasional sun on Thursday, but lots of rain. Went to see Phil and Joy in the morning: they’re recently back from seeing Sam and family – a few worries there, with Sam under a lot of pressure. Both Anna (violin) and Debbie (fish and chips) cancelled for health reasons – A has a bit of a cold and D is awaiting result of Covid test. So had a relaxing afternoon – bit of a lie down. In the evening we watched Together – quite an interesting two-hander about the lockdown and after, marred by a political rant in the middle. Then the final part of Guilt, which was sort of satisfying without being entirely clear. 

Yesterday was crisp but mainly sunny; a chilly wind. In the morning Dot and I went into the city to buy Kim a birthday present at Jarrolds. We went on to St Benedict’s afterwards, to a tree-themed art exhibition, which was pretty good in the main. I had feared being swamped with climate change gloom, but there was not much of that. Met Jude Sayer and her friend Sheila, another city guide. Back to Jarrolds, where the two of us had a tea/coffee and biscuit, then to the market and home by way of the Book Hive, where I bought myself a Christmas present for Dot to give me – Richard Balls’ book on Shane McGowan – signed!

Walked home through the Close. Bridget came to clean as usual, and Debbie rang to say she could come to see us tonight, instead of last night. Which she did, after we spent a pretty chilly 50 minutes or so outside with drinks with Chris and Des (and John for a few minutes). Nice time with Debbie. Watched the first episode of a new Dalgleish, which was excellent.